Construction jobs are among of the most dangerous work that exists. Working with heavy objects in unpredictable weather can be dangerous. For construction workers in Ohio, that combination turned out to be fatal. The construction accident left one man dead and another with severe burns on his hands and feet.
At the time of the accident, the construction crew was using a large metal pole to set up scaffolding. However, shortly after erecting the metal pole, a large gust of wind blew the pole into a nearby power line.
According to the construction workers, the weather was fine when they began working that morning. However, after the workers set up the materials to side the residential home, the strong winds started. The pole that was being used to erect the scaffolding was blown into the power lines, which carried more than 7,200 volts of electricity.
The two men that were setting up the scaffolding were tangled in the power lines. A third worker ran over to help free them. One man suffered severe burns to both his hands and feet. The other man was injured more seriously, and he was pronounced dead when he was taken to the hospital.
Although an article in the Cincinnati newspaper did not mention whether any of the workers would file a workers’ compensation lawsuit, they would likely be eligible. The family of the man who died may be able to file a wrongful death case. The injured man could receive compensation for his medical bills, as well as any lost wages if he is unable to work because of the burns.
Source: Cincinnati.com, “Worker electrocuted in power line accident,” Jennifer Baker, 23 March 2011